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| MultiMaker |
__________ Version 1.2.4 __________
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– – The Ultimate Multiple Choice Program – –
–– Conceived & Written by David Rowbory ––
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This is Shareware. If you like it, and want to keep it for more than 30 days then please register with me. It costs only £5 and this will not only encourage me to provide support and constant upgrades, but entitles you to 2 FREE UPDATES.
You may give this to anyone you want as long as you include this file and no profit accrues at any stage. Those wanting to publish this on CD-ROM or other large capacity media should contact me for permission.
To find out more, please write to:
David Rowbory
84 Balmuildy Road
Bishopbriggs
Glasgow
G64 3AP
(Phone: (0141) 762 0059)
Using MultiMaker...The Manual
(N.B. To print this, choose 'Print...' or 'Print One Copy' from the File menu)
You can create 2 types of test: Simple and Complex.
Simple tests have only 1 line for the text of each question and each choice and do not allow any graphics. However, while editing and sitting the test, the user can see 3 questions at a time on-screen. This is by far the more economical of the 2 types regarding disk space and exports/imports are more practicable.
Complex tests, on the other hand, take up the whole window and may contain any graphics. Only 1 question can be seen at a time and I haven't yet implemented an import facility although you can still export them. When I update MultiMaker, you'll be able to import these previously exported tests.
Editing
From the title page, click on “Amend a test” to display a list of stored tests. Those preceeded with a ◊ mark are complex tests. Click on a test name to edit it.
Use the tab key to move sequentially between fields.
Defining Correct Choices
Simple: click on the appropriate column to the right of each question to set the officially correct answer. Pupils will be marked according to this.
Complex: click on the letter/field of the choice to highlight it.
Text Styling
Simple: click on the 'A'-in-a-box button to change text appearance, for example, to condense text to allow it to fit in.
Complex: select text and choose formatting from the 'Font' and 'Style' menus.
Navigation
To move through questions click the arrows on the scroll bar.
To end and save test, click on the 'End' button or choose 'Return to Contents' from the 'Test' menu.
Drawing
In Complex tests click on the 'Tools' button to show the floating palette. Use the tools below the dotted line, for the familiar painting facilities. Double-clicking some will bring up additional options. Also see the ‘Paint’, ‘Options’ and ‘Patterns’ menus which appear when you choose a painting tool for more options.
The Test Menu contains lots of useful test-editing features. Browse it to see. Most choices will ask you to confirm before changes are made.
Sitting Tests
From the title page, click on “Sit a test” to display a list of stored tests. Those preceeded with a ◊ mark are complex tests. Click on a test name to sit it.
Choosing the Answer
Simple: click on the appropriate column to the right of each question to choose your answer.
Complex: click on the choice letter/field to highlight it.
Navigation
To move through questions click the arrows on the scroll bar.
To end and mark test, click on the 'End' button.
General
Use the buttons at the bottom of the title page to
• Get information about this version of MultiMaker
• On-line help & hints (minimal at present)
• Go to the home or launcher stack
• Set password (controls access to teacher-only sections)
Tests can be imported from the 'Make a Test' card.
To Conduct a test via a network:
(Perform steps 1 to 5 on a single machine only)
1• After finishing editing the test, close MultiMaker and exit into the Finder.
2• Locate the MultiMaker file icon and choose 'Get Info...' from the 'File' menu.
3• In the window that opens, click the 'Locked' box (lower left corner) so that an X appears.
(NB. While MultiMaker is locked, none of the tests can be edited)
4• Ensure file-sharing is turned on (consult your computing/networking specialist for help).
5• Set up sharing for the folder containing the MultiMaker your are working on. (Click to select the folder's icon, then select 'Sharing...' from the 'File' menu and select all the boxes, to be quick.) Other machines on the network should be able to access your MultiMaker now.
6• Ensure each machine to be used has its own copy of HyperCard or my Launcher file.
7• Log on by going into the Chooser (in the Apple menu), choosing AppleShare and selecting the MultiMaker folder and going through the normal log-on procedure.
8• the shared Multimaker folder icon should appear on the desktop and you can open this folder and run MultiMaker this way.
9• Repeat steps 6 to 8 for each machine to be used.
I have tried it and it should work, but if you are experienceiong problems, seek help from someone experienced in networking or at the last resort call me (number at top).
Hints & Tips to Save you Time.
The new scroll bar will save you time. Drag the white box to a place on the scroll bar to go to any part of the test. This works in both types.
Disclaimer
Like most software distributors I cannot guarantee the infallibility of my software. I have tested it as much as possible but no software can be 100% error-free and so I cannot take responsibility for any loss of data, time or money through the use, abuse or inability to use the software.
Bug/Error Reports: I am always grateful to receive reports of bugs or other problems found with my software. Also, if you have any ideas for imporvement I'd be delighted to know them. Please send reports including as much detail of your hardware & software to the address above. I will try to fix any problems brought to my attention and will ship out updates to any registered users who send me a Self-Addressed Envelope. (Non-registered users must send a High Density floppy for an upgrade.)
My Ideas for Future Development
• If enough people request, I will implement a text-to-speech option, especially useful for VI pupils. Write and tell me if you want this.
• Fully implement all exporting/exporting and provide templates for ClarisWorks importing (DB).
• Create a plug-in structure to allow the creation of new types of test.
• Create more test types and integrate into the testing structure
- Short answer – computer searches for key phrases and gives the question a score relating to how many hits (matches) found. Or let teacher mark (print a batch report).
- Long answer – phrase/word check by computer with % score & marking or teacher mark (print a batch report)
- Gap filling – only one or two answers permitted with number of characters specified. Marked by computer & report for each pupil.
(allow combinations of multiplechoice, short answer, gap-fill pages
• More comprehensive report generation after each test completed & selective retests (give only questions to which wrong answers given).
In all development, I aim to provide a comprehensive upgrade path so that tests created on previous versions are automatically translated into the new format.
If you have any other ideas, please write to me at the above address.
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Version History
0.9
First try. Simple tests only. No export yet, but has been seen working.
0.9.1
New printing facilities, export/import, password, redesigned title page.
0.9.2-4
Various versions implementing Large Tests and text formatting for the simple tests.
1.0 First Official Release (January 96)
At last both test types are working.
Documentation done.
After another test some major problems found but quickly corrected.
1.1 Before 1.0 was released
More testing & added a superb new (simulated) scrolling bar in the large test. You might not notice it but it's quite cool and took a while to get right.
Next task is to streamline complex tests exports/imports.
1.2
Updated the scrollbar to allow random access of questions within a test.
Next task is to streamline complex tests exports/imports.
More documentation – future vision.
1.2.1-2
Various improvements and bug fixes.
Navigation scripts optimised for speed.
Documentation improved with HyperCard tool palette summary (see above).
1.2.3
Fixed several complex bugs/anomalies that prevented the correct test results being printed. Remember: You can't save in fields when a stack is locked!
Implemented a better version update mechanism (using XFCN GetVersion()).
1.2.4 - It's now more or less complete
Fully implemented and tested the import for complex tests, adding progress display information in the message box. Should work fine although graphics could cause problems.
